That's an extremely poor representation of the E46. That's not even a factory car. That's a poorly-modded pre-facelift w/ pep boys 18" wheels and an aftermarket MTECH (made in Taiwan) bumper w/ eBay angel eyes. Not one single panel on that car fits correctly either (likely in many accidents) very very poor comparison.

That's an extremely poor representation of the E46. That's not even a factory car. That's a poorly-modded pre-facelift w/ pep boys 18" wheels and an aftermarket MTECH (made in Taiwan) bumper w/ eBay angel eyes. Not one single panel on that car fits correctly either (likely in many accidents) very very poor comparison.

Here's my car for proper comparison:

Wow, harsh. But I see some of your points and also did notice that it was a pre-LCI car, which never came from the factory with that bumper.

This LCI E46 shown here looks awesome and reminds me of my first BMW. I chose the regular ZSP over the ZHP because I liked the overall package better. Part of me will always miss that car...

That's an extremely poor representation of the E46. That's not even a factory car. That's a poorly-modded pre-facelift w/ pep boys 18" wheels and an aftermarket MTECH (made in Taiwan) bumper w/ eBay angel eyes. Not one single panel on that car fits correctly either (likely in many accidents) very very poor comparison.

Here's my car for proper comparison:

This one looks so nice and clean, like it just came out from the factory.

That's an extremely poor representation of the E46. That's not even a factory car. That's a poorly-modded pre-facelift w/ pep boys 18" wheels and an aftermarket MTECH (made in Taiwan) bumper w/ eBay angel eyes. Not one single panel on that car fits correctly either (likely in many accidents) very very poor comparison.

Here's my car for proper comparison:

now there is the timeless e46 look. bravo we should use your pics for comparison. the one in the op just isn't fair

Guys lets appreciate what the OP was trying to do. Yes it monster truck height, but I totally see his intent. That said, the 3 series styling is a total evolution since the E30 chassis car. The fact that there's an E46 to F30 comparison . . . an 8 - 12 year age gap with easily recognizable cues of it being a 3er is highly indicative of that evolution despite an E90 missing in the picture.